Pentalogy of Cantrell
The Pentalogy of Cantrell is a rare congenital disorder that affects the development of the chest and abdominal wall. It is characterized by a combination of five distinct abnormalities, including a midline defect of the diaphragm, a defect in the lower sternum, a deficiency of the anterior diaphragm, a defect in the pericardium, and a defect in the abdominal wall. These abnormalities can vary in severity, and affected individuals may exhibit a wide range of symptoms and complications. The exact cause of the Pentalogy of Cantrell is not known, but it is believed to be the result of a genetic mutation that occurs during fetal development. The disorder is estimated to affect fewer than one in every 100,000 live births , and it is more common in males than in females. The most obvious physical manifestation of the Pentalogy of Cantrell is a visible opening in the chest and/or abdominal wall. This opening may be small or large and can be located anywhere along the midlin...